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Airport Transportation

Samui International Airport

Also known as: Koh Samui Airport, Samui Airport, USM Airport.

USM · VTSM · Koh Samui

Airport facts

Name
Samui International Airport
IATA code
USM
ICAO code
VTSM
City
Koh Samui
Country
Thailand
Address
Bophut, Ko Samui, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand
Coordinates
9.5478, 100.0622
Time zone
Asia/Bangkok
Terminals
Separate open-air Domestic and International terminals about 50 m apart, with a shared arrivals area and the Samui Park Avenue shopping street

About Samui International Airport

Samui International Airport (USM) is the airport for Koh Samui, an island in the Gulf of Thailand in Surat Thani province, Thailand. It stands in the Bophut subdistrict on the island's northeast corner, about 2 km (1 mile) north of Chaweng and a short drive from Bophut and Fisherman's Village.

Bangkok Airways built the airport, opened it in 1989 and still owns and runs it, so it operates almost every flight. Its routes link Samui with Bangkok Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang, Phuket, Krabi, Chiang Mai and U-Tapao for Pattaya, and abroad with Singapore, Hong Kong and Chengdu. Scoot also flies to Singapore.

The airport is known for its open-air, thatched-roof buildings set in tropical gardens. Domestic and international flights use separate terminals about 50 m apart, and there are no jet bridges: you walk or ride an open-air shuttle between the aircraft and the terminal.

From the airport, most travelers head to the beaches and resorts of Chaweng, Lamai, Bophut, Choeng Mon and Maenam, or on to the piers at Bangrak (Big Buddha) and Maenam for boats to Koh Phangan and Koh Tao.

Airport operator, runways and traffic

Owner and operator

Bangkok Airways

Opened

April 1989

Runway

One, 17/35, 2,100 m

Passengers

More than 1.4 million in January to June 2024

Arrival tips for Samui International Airport

Samui has no jet bridges, so you leave the aircraft by the stairs and walk or ride an open-air shuttle to the arrivals area.

On an international flight, such as from Singapore or Hong Kong, you go through Thai immigration and then customs in the International Terminal. Have your passport and the confirmation of your Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) ready. On a domestic flight from Bangkok, Phuket or another Thai airport there are no passport checks: you walk straight to baggage claim.

The arrivals area is small and open-air, so it is quick to find your way out. Currency exchange counters, ATMs and SIM card booths are in arrivals, and car rental desks are close by. The official taxi counter and the minivan counters are at the arrivals exit, and hotel greeters and pre-booked drivers wait outside with name signs.

Thailand uses the baht and is on Indochina Time (UTC+7) all year, with no daylight saving time.

Ground transportation

There is no public bus from the airport, so most travelers take a taxi, a minivan or a pre-booked car.

  • Taxi from Samui airport

    The official airport taxi counter is at the arrivals exit, with fixed fares by destination. It goes door to door to Chaweng in about 10 to 15 minutes, but it is one of the pricier ways to travel the island.

  • Shared minivan

    Minivan counters in arrivals sell seats to the main beach areas. It costs less than a taxi, but the van waits to fill up and drops passengers at several hotels.

  • Hotel shuttle

    Many resorts send a driver or greeter with a name sign. Arrange it with your hotel before you fly.

  • Car rental

    Car rental desks are in the arrivals area. Driving is on the left, and some hillside roads to villas are steep.

  • Private transfer

    A pre-booked car or van meets you at the arrivals exit and goes straight to your hotel, villa or ferry pier, which suits families, groups and late arrivals.

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Moving between terminals

  1. Walking

    The Domestic and International terminals stand about 50 m apart, linked by open-air walkways through the gardens.

Terminals

Domestic Terminal

Handles flights within Thailand, mainly Bangkok Airways services to Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Chiang Mai and U-Tapao.

International Terminal

Handles international flights, such as those to Singapore, Hong Kong and Chengdu, with immigration and customs for arriving passengers.

Airlines and destinations

Bangkok Airways owns the airport and operates almost all of its flights.

Bangkok Airways

Bangkok Don Mueang, Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, Chengdu, Chiang Mai, Hong Kong, Krabi, Phuket, Singapore, U-Tapao (Pattaya)

Scoot International Terminal

Singapore

Facilities

  • Currency exchange

    Exchange counters are in the arrivals area.

  • ATMs

    Cash machines are in the arrivals area and the terminals.

  • SIM cards

    Mobile operators have booths in arrivals; bring your passport to register a SIM card.

  • Wi-Fi

    Free Wi-Fi is available in the terminals.

  • Samui Park Avenue

    An open-air street of cafes, restaurants and shops on the public side of the airport.

  • Duty free

    Duty-free shops serve international departures.

  • Medical room

    A small medical room staffed by a nurse is on the north side of the arrivals hall.

  • Post office

    A post office is in the departure hall.

  • Car rental

    Car rental companies have desks in the arrivals area.

Airport lounges

  • Blue Ribbon Club Lounge, Domestic Terminal

    Bangkok Airways' lounge airside in domestic departures, for its business-class passengers and eligible lounge-program members and cardholders.

  • Blue Ribbon Club Lounge, International Terminal

    Bangkok Airways' lounge after immigration in international departures, with the same entry rules as the domestic lounge.

  • Boutique Lounge

    Bangkok Airways' Boutique Lounge in departures is open to the airline's own passengers, including economy, with snacks and drinks.

Accessibility and passenger assistance

  • Requesting assistance

    Ask your airline for help at least 48 hours before you travel, so staff and equipment are ready at Samui.

  • Reduced mobility

    There are no jet bridges, and passengers board and leave aircraft by stairs; tell your airline in advance if you cannot manage steps.

  • Open-air layout

    The terminals are single-level, open-air buildings linked by walkways, with short distances between check-in, gates and arrivals.

Parking

Airport parking

Short-term and long-term parking lots are next to the terminals.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Koh Samui airport from Chaweng?

Samui International Airport is about 2 km (1 mile) north of Chaweng, so the drive to most Chaweng hotels takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Bophut and Fisherman's Village are a similar short drive west, Lamai takes about 25 to 30 minutes, and Nathon on the west coast, about 20 km away, takes about 30 to 40 minutes.

Is Samui airport the same as Koh Samui airport?

Yes. Samui International Airport, Samui Airport and Koh Samui Airport are all names for the same airport, code USM. It is the only airport on Koh Samui. Do not confuse it with Surat Thani Airport (URT) on the mainland, which is served by other airlines and needs a bus and ferry to reach the island.

How many terminals does Samui airport have?

Samui has two passenger terminals, Domestic and International, about 50 m apart and linked by open-air walkways. Both are low, thatched-roof buildings set in gardens, with no jet bridges. Arriving passengers collect their bags in a small arrivals area, after immigration and customs on international flights.

Which airlines fly to Koh Samui?

Bangkok Airways, which owns the airport, operates almost every flight, to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang, Phuket, Krabi, Chiang Mai and U-Tapao, and abroad to Singapore, Hong Kong and Chengdu. Scoot also flies to Singapore. Many travelers from abroad connect in Bangkok, Singapore or Hong Kong.

Can I fly to Koh Samui directly from abroad?

Yes, from a few cities. Bangkok Airways flies to Samui from Singapore, Hong Kong and Chengdu, and Scoot flies from Singapore. These flights arrive at the International Terminal, where you clear Thai immigration and customs. From most other countries you connect in Bangkok, Singapore or Hong Kong.

Is there a bus from Samui airport?

No. No public bus serves Samui airport. Most travelers take the official airport taxi, a shared minivan from the counters in arrivals, a hotel shuttle or a pre-booked transfer. A taxi or private car goes door to door, which is easiest with luggage or for villas on the island's hillside roads.

Can I use Grab at Samui airport?

No. App-based ride services are not allowed to pick up passengers at Samui airport. For a ride from the terminal, use the official taxi counter, a minivan counter, a hotel shuttle or a transfer you booked before you flew. Ride-hailing apps may work elsewhere on the island.

How do I get from Samui airport to Koh Phangan or Koh Tao?

Boats to Koh Phangan and Koh Tao leave from piers on Samui's north coast. Bangrak, near the Big Buddha, is a few minutes from the airport, and Maenam pier is about 6 km to the west. Take a taxi or pre-booked car to the pier named on your ferry ticket, and allow time to check in.

Is there a lounge at Samui airport?

Yes. Bangkok Airways runs Blue Ribbon Club lounges in both domestic and international departures, for its business-class passengers and eligible members and cardholders. The airline's Boutique Lounge is open to its own passengers, including economy. Samui Park Avenue, outside security, also has cafes and restaurants.

What do I need to enter Thailand at Samui airport?

You need a passport and, as a foreign visitor, a completed Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), free on the official immigration portal within 72 hours before arrival. Since 15 September 2026 the visa exemption covers 60 countries and territories for 30 days of tourism; others need a visa, so check before you fly.

Is there an ATM or currency exchange at Samui airport?

Yes. Currency exchange counters and ATMs are in the arrivals area, along with SIM card booths, where you register with your passport. Thailand uses the baht. Rates at the airport are usually less favorable than in town, so many travelers change only what they need for the first day.

Can I rent a car at Samui airport?

Yes. Car rental companies have desks in the arrivals area. Thailand drives on the left, and the ring road, Route 4169, circles the island and links the airport with Chaweng, Lamai, Bophut and Maenam. Some roads up to hillside villas are steep and narrow.

Where can I park at Samui airport?

Samui airport has short-term and long-term parking lots next to the terminals, reached from Route 4169, the island's ring road. Because the terminals are small and close together, the walk from the parking lots to check-in or arrivals is short.

Why book with Airport Transportation?

We provide private transportation from any airport to any hotel at the best price, and we are licensed with complete insurance liability.

Is the transportation private or shared?

Airport Transportation provides private transportation only, in vans, luxury SUVs, or semi-buses.

Are prices per person or per vehicle?

Prices on our website are per vehicle, not per person, based on a range of passengers.

How many people can a van carry?

Regular vans carry up to 9 passengers, semi-buses up to 16, and luxury SUVs up to 6 passengers.

How do I find you at the airport?

Walk all the way out of the airport. You'll see representatives holding boards. Look for the Airport Transportation logo or your name.

What kind of vehicles do you use?

Commonly Toyota Hiace, Volkswagen Transporter, Mercedes Sprinter, Volkswagen Crafter, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Chevrolet Suburban.

Do you have insurance?

Yes. We carry insurance with complete liability for all passengers while using our services.

Do you provide baby seats?

Baby seats are provided with prior notice, subject to availability, one seat maximum per vehicle.

How far in advance should I book?

You can book any time in advance; we suggest one week to one day ahead. Same-day reservations are available.

What payment methods are accepted?

PayPal is our main payment method; a cash option is also available when booking through our website. Credit cards are accepted through PayPal.

Do vehicles have air conditioning?

Yes. For your comfort all our units have air conditioning.

What if my flight is delayed?

During booking we ask for your airline and flight number so we can track delays and wait for you.

Can I make stops during my ride?

Yes, you can add an extra stop to your service during the booking process.

Do children pay differently than adults?

No. Prices are set per passenger range or per vehicle, not per age.

Is my reservation refundable?

Yes. Cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before your pick-up and you are refunded in full. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before service are not refundable.

Do drivers speak English?

Yes. While their English may not be native-level, drivers have the skills to communicate with passengers.

Are tips mandatory?

Tips are not mandatory but are highly recommended; drivers earn them through service quality.

What currencies are accepted?

All prices are in USD. Via PayPal you can pay in almost any currency; cash payments accept USD only.

Are pets allowed?

We can transport domestic pets kept in cages that fit in a normal vehicle.

Is there room for luggage?

Yes. There is plenty of room for one suitcase and one carry-on per person.

What is included in the price?

Every private transfer includes a professional, licensed driver; an insured, well-maintained vehicle; real-time flight monitoring; meet-and-greet service at arrivals; and door-to-door service with no hidden fees added after booking. Your fixed price covers the full route to your destination.

Book a transfer from USM